Smith Rufus Brittingham IV

Smith Rufus Brittingham IV, General Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on General, International, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Practicing general in Washington since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
3 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Smith Rufus Brittingham IV is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on General, International, and Litigation. Smith has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett And Dunner L L P. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Washington, DC
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
General · International · Litigation
  • Handles General, International, and Litigation matters from Washington, DC.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Smith Rufus Brittingham IV: Smith Rufus Brittingham IV is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on General, International, and Litigation. Smith has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett And Dunner L L P. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Smith takes on

Smith concentrates on general, international, litigation, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Smith handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Smith takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Smith agrees to represent you.

International cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Smith takes international matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Smith agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Smith takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Smith agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Smith takes patent matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Smith agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Smith Rufus Brittingham IV — general lawyer in Washington

Smith Rufus Brittingham IV is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on General, International, and Litigation. Smith has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett And Dunner L L P. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Mr. Smith Rufus Brittingham IV is a lawyer practicing patents, patent litigation, international trade commission proceedings and 4 other areas of law. Smith received a B.A. degree from Oberlin College in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Smith practices at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P. in Washington, DC.

Working with Smith on a general matter

Mr. Smith Rufus Brittingham IV is a lawyer practicing patents, patent litigation, international trade commission proceedings and 4 other areas of law. Smith received a B.A. degree from Oberlin College in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Smith practices at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P. in Washington, DC.

Who Smith represents

Smith reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, international, and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Ohio State College of Law

    J.D. · 1987

  • Oberlin College

    B.A. Chemistry · 1984

Jurisdictions

Smith's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    2001 · ACTIVE

  • Ohio

    1987 · ACTIVE

Smith studied at J.D. in Ohio State College of Law and B.A. Chemistry in Oberlin College.

Law school and academic background

Smith completed J.D. in Ohio State College of Law and B.A. Chemistry in Oberlin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Smith runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Smith has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Smith Rufus Brittingham IV's office in Washington

Smith's primary office is at 901 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20001-4413. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett And Dunner L L P

901 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20001-4413

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Smith Rufus Brittingham IV — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Smith. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Washington.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Smith Rufus Brittingham IV claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Smith Rufus Brittingham IV — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Smith usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Smith charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Smith's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Smith will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Smith

Smith discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Smith confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Smith's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Smith Rufus Brittingham IV

  • How much does it cost to hire Smith for a general case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Smith walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Smith offer a free consultation?

    Smith charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Smith's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Smith's current terms during booking.

  • How long do general cases in District of Columbia typically take?

    Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Smith gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Smith take my case if I'm outside Washington?

    Smith is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Smith will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Smith?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Smith will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Smith accepting new general clients right now?

    Smith's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Smith handles general matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.